10.31.2010

Halloween is Too Evil to Fall on a Sunday

halloween hangover

Today is Halloween in the U.S., but the trick-or-treaters came unexpectedly last night for some reason. I can't remember if this happens nationwide when Halloween dares to fall on a Sunday or if this - like too damn many other examples - is a Mississippi thing. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised either way, but I was.

I can't help wondering who agreed to move the celebration of Halloween a day early and whether they did so because they didn't want to pollute a Christian Sabbath with Halloween evil. So instead, someone decided to shift it to the Jewish Sabbath. I guess it is okay to ruin that one since evangelical fundamentalist Christians rarely seem to consider anyone but themselves. Unless I'm missing something, this sounds like yet another example of Christian privilege.

I actually feel sorry for the children of Christian parents who will have to spend this morning in church while coming down from their candy high. Church was nauseating enough on its own. I feel even sorrier for those who are deprived of Halloween fun altogether because their parents are so superstitious they won't allow it. It must be awful to have to live in a home with people who truly believe in demons. I wouldn't wish that on anybody.

Oh well. At least I no longer need to buy Halloween candy (and bibles) today like I had planned. I suppose saving some money isn't so bad. I keep telling myself that one of these years I may have to go all-out with some evil-looking exterior Halloween decorations. But between the cost and the increased likelihood of vandalism, theft, and proselytizing, I realize that probably isn't a good idea.

10.27.2010

Additional Thoughts on Offending Others

christian oppression

While watching college football the other day, I noticed at least one kicker who crossed himself Catholic-style just before each kick. It did not seem to matter that he was playing for a public university rather than a religious one. Sure, plenty of athletes are known to have their superstitious rituals, but I found this one particularly annoying.

Why would I possibly find this annoying? I suppose it reminds me of child rape, a conspiracy of silence, and African genocide. I have come to associate these things with Catholicism. But this is my perception, and I'm reasonably confident that this kicker didn't mean to promote any of this by engaging in his silly ritual.

Shortly after watching this game, I read that the Archbishop of Westminster has been encouraging Catholics to make even more of a spectacle of their ridiculous faith than normal.

The Archbishop of Westminster says Catholics should be more ready to make the sign of the cross and say "God bless you" to people.
Great. Because more religion is always the answer to...well...pretty much everything.

10.18.2010

Red Mass is Another Example of Christian Privilege

silk-red-backgroundImagine that high-ranking members of government, including the Vice President, were caught attending an exclusive invitation-only meeting of some religious group where he or she was warned of the threat Jews pose to the United States. The speaker described a battle between good and evil where Jews were on the side of evil and urged the audience to oppose them. The speaker referred to many contentious political subjects and instructed the Vice President and others in attendance how they should govern on these issues (i.e., with the "good" leaders of this particular religion and against the "evil" Jews). What do you suppose would take place if something like this actually happened and the media learned of it?

10.11.2010

Coexisting is Fine, But Tolerance Has Limits

coexistI don't see too many of the coexist bumper stickers here in Mississippi. In my experience, the Southern Baptist majority here is far more interested in converting than coexisting. Some people regard these bumper stickers as little more than a naive utopian ideal with little basis in reality. They have a point. After all, religious believers do not have the best track record of living harmoniously with those of other faiths (or no faith at all). Is there anything positive communicated by this symbol?

10.05.2010

Is the Atheist Movement Really Moving?

English: Stagnant stream As can be seen the st...
English: Stagnant stream As can be seen the stream does not move much and has stagnation in places. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I've been feeling increasingly burned out lately. It is mostly about work, but it cuts across the board. This is nothing new. I go through periods of feeling uninspired, and I suppose that is to be expected. They never last long, but it can be tough to write during them. I mention this because I'm writing this post off-the-top-of-my-head, and so I'm not even sure what it will be about. But I suspect it is coming more from my current mood than anything else. You've been warned.

Activism is hard. I bet that any one of us could easily pick out 10 or more issues on which we would like to see real change. We might even work on a few of them from time-to-time. Progress feels too slow and can be tough to even detect at times. And I'd bet that most of us don't even see ourselves as activists, even when it comes to our shared interest in atheism.

10.01.2010

October is Finally Here

the bible horror poster

I look forward to October each year for at least three reasons. First, it is usually the month that we get our first taste of somewhat cooler temperatures and reduced humidity here in Mississippi. That's always a big deal because the heat and humidity have been oppressive since late March. Second, October is often a good month for horror films on cable and sales on horror Blu-rays. It is not that I ever seem to need an excuse to watch more horror flicks, but October does give me a good one. Third, I can't help but find the terror with which many of the local Southern Baptists seem to regard Halloween to be fun. Every day may be Halloween for some Christians, but that does not mean they welcome it when Halloween arrives. Some are seriously concerned their children will be possessed by demons!